What is Essential Fish Habitat?
Living marine resources constitute valuable and renewable resources that contribute to the food supply, economy, welfare, health, and recreational opportunities of the Nation. In 1976, the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson Act) established a management system to more effectively utilize the marine fishery resources of the United States. It established eight Regional Fishery Management Councils (Councils), consisting of representatives with expertise in marine or anadromous fisheries from the constituent states. In order to develop fishery management plans (FMPs) for the conservation and management of fishery resources, Councils use input from the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), the public, and panel of experts. After approval by the Secretary, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) implements and enforces the management measures in the FMP. As amended in 1986, the Magnuson Act required Councils to evaluate the effects of habitat loss or degradation on
